Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver is both one of the form players of season 2023 and one of the most consistent competitors in recent history.
In fact, according to Kane Cornes, 25-year-old Oliver is fast becoming one of the most accomplished players of the last 20 years.
Cornes believes the four-time Demons best and fairest, three-time All-Australian, two-time AFLCA Champion Player of the Year and 2021 premiership player is tracking perfectly towards a Brownlow Medal.
Having kicked just 48 goals over his 150-game, Oliver is now starting to add attacking prowess to his prolific ball-winning arsenal with three goals in 2023, including two in Sunday’s win over Sydney.
That stat category is a prerequisite for a player destined to one day win the AFL’s coveted individual award.
“Clayton Oliver kicked three goals last year (in the home and away season), Patrick Cripps kicked 20 and we know what happened with Patrick Cripps,” Cornes said on SEN’s Sportsday.
“Clayton Oliver is now going at a goal a game, for only three games I get it, but if Clayton Oliver kicks 20 goals this year he wins the Brownlow Medal.
“After 150 games he’s about the most accomplished player in the last 20 years.”
Oliver’s form so far this year has seen him average 31.7 disposals and a goal per game which has him as one of the early favourites for the 2023 Brownlow.
Adding goals to his repertoire will help take his game to the next level, according to Cornes.
“He’s done everything but he hasn’t been a goal kicker and he hasn’t been a real forward-half threat like (Jordan) De Goey and other players, like Cripps became last year,” Cornes added.
“I reckon he’s identified that. He doesn’t need as much of the footy but needs more damage.
“I’m really liking the progression of the way his career is going.”
The continual improvement of Oliver over the years has not gone unnoticed by Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge either.
Hodge praised Oliver’s hard work and dedication to his craft, noting how far he has evolved as a player since he was drafted by the Dees in 2015.
“He is someone who has worked so much on his game. I love the way he plays, he’s hard, he’s aggressive, he gives a little bit to the opposition,” said Hodge.
“When he first got into the AFL there were questions on his fitness. He did look a little bit chubby. He’s someone who continually wants to work and get better.
“If you look at his kicking, his first few years he wasn’t a great kick, he ballooned (his kicks) a lot, he wasn’t able to pinpoint. Now when he gets the ball he’s got the composure to use it by hand, centre forward he’s a beautiful kick, he knows where the space is, he knows he doesn’t have to kick it too hard.”
Hodge has been taken by Oliver’s progression as a midfielder, highlighting his desire to improve his game and never be satisfied with what he has achieved.
“Some people get to a certain standard and think that’s where I’m at, I’m happy with where I’m at. He’s not,” Hodge noted.
“He is someone who continually wants to work and get better, so saying he is someone who is a potential Brownlow Medallist, 100 per cent (agree) because of the way he goes about it and he’s always under the umpire’s nose.”
In 2023, Oliver sits equal fourth in the league for disposals (95), second for metres gained (1737), third for contested possessions (45), equal fourth for centre clearances (10) and fifth for inside 50s (19).
Oliver has polled well in the Brownlow in recent years, tallying 25 votes in 2022 (when equal fourth), 31 in 2021 (when third) and 14 in 2020.